Natalie "Peewee" Louise Sumerlin

Lifelong resident Natalie L. Sumerlin, 88, passed away October 12, 2011 at her home surrounded by family.

Natalie was born December 25, 1922 in Walla Walla Wa, to Giovanni Leonetti and Assuntina Cinnante Leonetti. She attended Prospect Point Elementary and graduated from Walla Walla High school.

On the 22nd of November 1941 Natalie Lousie Leonetti married Charles Wesley Sumerlin at St. Patrick’s Rectory in Walla Walla.

PeeWee enjoyed camping, horseback riding and fishing in the Blue Mountains. She shared these activities with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. There was never a person PeeWee met that did not love her. Everyone knew that visiting Wes and PeeWee would result in a home cooked meal and a pot of hot coffee, anytime day or night. She spent her Sundays having coffee with friends and sharing stories. PeeWee’s hobbies included sewing, embroidering pillow cases and making doll clothes for all her grandchildren. Later in life, she kept her mind sharp by reading and doing crossword puzzles. PeeWee looked forward to spending each summer in Yakima with her youngest son and family, vacationing at the coast, Leavenworth, and Wallowa Lake. She is a past member of the Walla Walla 59’ers, the Frontiers men and a founding member of the Blue Mountain Mall Bigfoot club. PeeWee worked at the Birdseye Cannery for 15 years and the Midtown Motel.

At 88 years old, PeeWee’s joy in life was her 88 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She loved them all dearly and always said “I wouldn’t be grandma if I didn’t.”

PeeWee is survived by her four children, son, Raymond (Stephanie) Sumerlin, son, John (Sally) Sumerlin, daughter, Carol Patton of Walla Walla, son, Tom (Luisa) Sumerlin of Yakima and two brothers Joe and Verl Leonetti of Walla Walla. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Anita Kilmer, her husband, Wes Sumerlin, and her brother, Frank Leonetti, who was killed in action during World War II.

A Rosary will be recited Sunday October 16th at 5:00 pm at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The memorial service will be held on Monday October 17th at 1:00 pm also at the funeral home with Father Tyler Smedley officiating. Memorial Contributions can be made in her name to Walla Walla Community Hospice through the funeral home.